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Rookie Medina giving bullpen a boost

Rookie Medina giving bullpen a boost

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Medina seals the victory 0:40

6/18/13: Yoervis Medina gets Howie Kendrick to ground out to short, earning his first career save

By Greg Johns and Jacob Thorpe
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MLB.com |

SEATTLE -- Against Oakland on Saturday night, the Mariners needed three pitchers to get through the first 6 2/3 innings. But Yoervis Medina came in and pitched the rest of the game without allowing a run, earning the win in the process.

It was just another new experience for the 24-year old from Venezuela, who has appeared in 25 games since making his MLB debut on April 16. Medina has posted a 2.70 ERA and picked up a pair of wins.

"It's a series of firsts for him, as it has been for so many of these guys," manager Eric Wedge said. "He does a nice job, especially once he works his way into it."

The emergence of Medina, along with the anticipated return of flame-throwing Stephen Pryor, could provide a significant boost to a struggling Mariners bullpen. Seattle relievers have given up the lead in five losses since May 29.

"It definitely gives me confidence," Medina said through translator Ryan Schmitz. "Every time I go in, I think, 'This time I have to do better than the last one.'"

Greg Johns is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregJohnsMLB as well as his Mariners Musings blog. Jacob Thorpe is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.